Rule of Law

The concept of the Rule of Law is fundamental to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 16 aspires to "promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels." The Rule of Law is a foundation for all these aims.

The Rule of Law represents a principle of governance that all persons, institutions, entities, public and private, including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated. In the context of SDGs, the Rule of Law ensures equitable access to justice (SDG 16.3), strengthens corruption-free institutions (SDG 16.5), and nurtures peaceful societies (SDG 16.1).

Equal access to justice under the Rule of Law is central to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and ensuring no one is left behind. It safeguards individuals' rights, including those of vulnerable groups like women, children, and marginalized communities, facilitating their access to basic services and protection, thereby helping achieve goals related to poverty eradication (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).

The Rule of Law is also intrinsic to building effective, accountable institutions (SDG 16.6). These institutions play a pivotal role in providing public services, managing public resources, and upholding civil rights. When corruption, bribery, theft, and tax evasion are substantially reduced (SDG 16.5), resources can be appropriately allocated to support sustainable development initiatives.

Moreover, peaceful societies, a primary aim of SDG 16, are facilitated by the Rule of Law. A society where laws are respected and fairly applied fosters an environment of security and stability. It deters violent conflict, promotes human rights, and encourages social and economic development.

This webinar explores how taxation is steadily rising on the corporate sustainability agenda and links to Goal 10 and Goal 17.
Linking Goal 10 and Goal 16, this report highlights the linkages between human rights and anti-corruption compliance and how companies can benefit from integrating these considerations in their compliance programs.
Elsevier,

Agricultural Law and Economics in Sub-Saharan Africa: Cases and Comments, Chapter 5, 2016, Pages 141–184

This chapter examines contracting between literate and illiterate parties in sub-Saharan Africa in a market-led development approach. It supports goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and goal 10 (reduced inequalities).
This article discusses what actions Women’s Empowerment Principles' companies are taking to advance Goal 5.
A responsible supply chain, and eliminating corruption in the supply chain, are important elements of goals 10 and 16. This report, updated in 2016, outlines common supply chain corruption scenarios and provides a framework and set of tools for addressing them.
Contributing to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), this paper provides an introduction to the challenges of effective security intervention impact assessment.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional,

the International Bar Association with support from LexisNexis Legal & Professional, June 2015

EyeWitness logo
LexisNexis Legal & Professional partnered with the International Bar Association to launch eyeWitness to Atrocities, an Android mobile phone app that allows users to report human rights atrocities. The free app enables citizens to contribute to bringing perpetrators to account for crimes against humanity and therefore contributes directly towards the advancement of SDG target 16.3 to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and Mike Walsh, CEO of LexisNexis Legal & Professional
The Business for the Rule of Law Framework (B4RoL) was launched by the UN GC in June 2015, building on the work started by LexisNexis Legal & Professional and the Atlantic Council in 2013. The B4RoL Framework is a call to action and guide for businesses around the world in taking proactive, voluntary actions to support the rule of law in everyday operations and relationships. Engaging business in the rule of law is critical to SDG 16.3 to promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals.
To advance goal 16 the UNGC have developed a Business for the Rule of Law Framework. These reports document the consultations held around the world to inform this framework.
Linking to Goal 16, this report provides guidance on how to initiate and implement anti-corruption collective action initiatives while showcasing various examples from collective action projects worldwide.

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